Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has achieved its highest-ever ranking in The Guardian’s University Guide.
AUB has also been recognised by The Guardian as one of the top three highest risers for 2026 moving up from 100th place last year to 60th this year.
The University's high ranking for 2026 also places it as the top art and design specialist university outside London.
“We’re thrilled to be the ranked as the top art and design specialist university outside of London by The Guardian," comments Lisa Mann, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at AUB. "Achieving our highest ranking, and being among the top three highest risers, in The Guardian’s 2026 University Guide is a fantastic result for the University.
"These guides and league tables are vital for prospective students when they’re deciding where and what to study, and in a challenging and competitive market, it will make a big difference to the University.
“The results reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence in creative education. It’s an incredible accomplishment in just one year, and to achieve our highest-ever ranking position too, it is something we’re all very proud of.”
This sharp rise in The Guardian rankings comes just weeks after The Complete University Guide 2026 named AUB the top specialist university in the South West, and in the Top 5 in the region overall.
The annual independent university league tables and rankings from the likes of The Guardian and The Complete University Guide are designed to give prospective university students all the key information they need for university research by ranking the best universities in the UK.
The guides evaluate factors such as teaching quality, student satisfaction, class sizes, and the percentage of graduates securing graduate-level jobs or further education within 15 months of finishing their degree.
